Why Make This Recipe
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a delicious dish that’s perfect for everyone in the family. The crunchiness of the pretzel coating pairs beautifully with tender chicken, while the mustard-cheddar sauce brings a zingy flavor that makes your taste buds dance. It’s a smart way to combine familiar tastes with a fun twist, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or an informal gathering. Plus, it’s simple enough to prepare, so even beginner cooks can impress their friends and family with this dish.
How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mustard
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together mustard and shredded cheddar cheese to make the sauce.
- Prepare two shallow bowls: beat the eggs in one and mix flour with salt and pepper in the other.
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip in eggs, then roll in crushed pretzels.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet, lightly spray with olive oil if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve with mustard-cheddar sauce on the side.
How to Serve Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
This dish can be served in various ways. One simple way is to plate the chicken breasts individually and pour a generous amount of the mustard-cheddar sauce over each piece. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad pairs wonderfully with this chicken. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or a baked potato. The toppings of your choice can take this dish from simple to outstanding—think fresh herbs, green onions, or additional cheese for a flavorful touch.
How to Store Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly will allow you to enjoy this dish again later. Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing. Place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume the chicken within 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Pretzel Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Get Crunchy Pretzels: Use traditional pretzels for the coating. Crush them using a food processor or by putting them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin. This will create a fine crumb that will help in creating that perfect crunchy texture.
Don’t Skip the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: While it might be tempting to skip the sauce, it brings a fantastic flavor to the dish. Adjust the amount of mustard based on your taste preference—more for tanginess, less for a milder flavor.
Cook Thoroughly: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. It should reach at least 165°F (75°C).
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper can make cleanup easier and helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add extra spices to the flour mixture or the mustard-cheddar sauce. Garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper can add wonderful depth to your dish.
Variation
If you want to mix things up, consider using other types of breading like crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs instead of pretzels. You could also try different cheeses, such as pepper jack or gouda, for varying flavor profiles. For a healthier twist, you could bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying, maintaining the flavor while reducing the fat content.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are completely thawed before starting the recipe to ensure even cooking.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pretzels and flour to make a gluten-free version of this recipe.
3. What can I do with leftover mustard-cheddar sauce?
You can store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It works great as a dip for pretzels, veggies, or even as a spread for sandwiches.
4. Can this dish be grilled instead of baked?
Yes, you can grill the chicken instead of baking it for a smoky flavor. Just ensure the grill is well-greased to prevent sticking, and monitor the chicken closely to avoid burning the pretzel crust.
5. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a great option for those who love meal prepping.
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Description
A delicious crunch from pretzel-coated chicken paired with a zingy mustard-cheddar sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mustard
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together mustard and shredded cheddar cheese to make the sauce.
- Prepare two shallow bowls: beat the eggs in one and mix flour with salt and pepper in the other.
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip in eggs, then roll in crushed pretzels.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet, lightly spray with olive oil if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve with mustard-cheddar sauce on the side.
Notes
For added flavor, experiment with spices in the flour mixture or sauce. Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: chicken, pretzel, mustard-cheddar, easy dinner, weeknight meal